The Value of a Plan B (or... why the Rams are meeting with Colt McCoy)

[AvengerRam]

I'm starting to wonder if there might be a parallel between the Rams' situation this year and the one faced by the Texans in 2006.

As I recall it, in the weeks leading up to the draft, the Texans were believed by all to be targeting Reggie Bush as the first pick in the draft. Then, when negotiations broke down, they went to their Plan B, Mario Williams (and, of course, it all worked out fairly well for them).

Similarly, the Rams are believed by most to be targeting Sam Bradford. I presume that they will be negotiating with his agent soon, if they are not already doing so.

In this context, it is necessary to have viable "Plan B." Otherwise, Bradford's agent can take a hard line with the Rams, basically stating "you have no choice but to pay what we ask."

Ndamukong Suh, standing alone, is not a viable "Plan B." The reason: nobody is going to buy that the Rams are willing to go to battle next year with Feeley and Null as their top 2 QBs.

Add Colt McCoy to the equation, and now you have a viable "Plan B" (Suh in Round 1, McCoy in Round 2).

In another thread, I posed the question: why release Bulger now?

Perhaps, part of the reason was the possibility that some team that might take McCoy late in Round 2 would instead sign Bulger. Or, if that was not the plan, maybe it could work just work out that way (i.e. maybe the Vikings will sign Bulger to back up Favre rather than considering a QB in Round 1).

In any event, I think that, if Bradford and his agent are unreasonable, the Rams have their "Mario Williams" plan in Suh/McCoy.

Who knows... Plan B might even become Plan A.

[rams_man13]

Your 100% right, this is also the reason we will meet with Claussen and Suh.

It's to increase leverage in negotiations with Bradford.

[sosa39rams]

If we dont get a contract worked out before the draft with Bradford, it will be quite exciting to see what happens.

[unorthodox1999]

I love the scenario, but my concern is although projected to be there, that someone might actually pick him up. I really dont see the Rams doing it at this point, but what if they did pick up Suh in the first, Colt being there in the 2nd still wouldnt be a guarantee.

[AvengerRam]

I love the scenario, but my concern is although projected to be there, that someone might actually pick him up. I really dont see the Rams doing it at this point, but what if they did pick up Suh in the first, Colt being there in the 2nd still wouldnt be a guarantee.

Agreed. That is one of the main reasons I favor Bradford. I think waiting for Colt in Round 2 is too risky. I probably wouldn't feel that way if Dan LeFevour had a better Pro Day, but his reviews were mixed at best.

[DE_Ramfan]

If I were management and really wanted to sell this.... I'd bring Tebow in as well. That way they'd really think you're crazy enough to do anything and be more willing to sign.

[PeoriaRam]

Agreed. That is one of the main reasons I favor Bradford. I think waiting for Colt in Round 2 is too risky. I probably wouldn't feel that way if Dan LeFevour had a better Pro Day, but his reviews were mixed at best.

Is trading back into the first round from #33 also an option? Serious question here.

[AvengerRam]

Is trading back into the first round from #33 also an option? Serious question here.

Sure, but in the past, trades of that type have been very expensive.

[RealRam]

2010 NFL Draft day. Three QBs in Bradford, Clausen, and McCoy are on the available list.

If Sue were our man with the #1 pick, which is a definite possibility, what are the chances of finding a CMcCoy or JClausen available at #33? I'd say fair-to-good based on the needs of 31 teams that choose after us in the 1st round. In fact, odds would not only be based on the needs but on the reality that there would only be 30 teams left, not 31 -- the obvious being that Bradford would have already been selected by someone after us. But odds are only fair-to-good, nothing better than that.

A double BPA in Colt and Jimmy, both being QBs, should leave us margin to find one of them available at #33. BUT it's too risky, i.e., plan B. I think the Rams will go for a much safer selection in SB (safe in terms of availability, not on whether Sams' shoulder is strong or not).

All the above, however plain and simple, can -- and probably will -- become more complex by teams trading up / trading down. Which is why we have the almost simplistic advantage of getting a much needed QB with the 1st pick. This is where, IMO, this year's QB selection overrides the need of a DT pick, even if it is Sue.

Thus, unless Sam falls before draft day and injures that shoulder, he'll most likely become a Ram. Watch your step young man!

[AlwaysBackwards]

I wouldn't mind Plan B, but i am already enamored with Bradford and wouldn't like to see him succeed elsewhere if we do pass him up. We just have to hope DeSpags make the right choice and be happy with it and support our Rams.

[PeoriaRam]

Sure, but in the past, trades of that type have been very expensive.

How much? Next year's first rounder plus the second this year?

[AvengerRam]

How much? Next year's first rounder plus the second this year?

Its hard to say. The Trade Value Chart values a move from #33 to #28 at 80 points, which is the equivalent of a fourth round pick. A move from #33 to #20 is valued at 270 points, which would be the eqivalent of the last pick in Round 2.

I don't think the Rams would have to give pick #33 and next year's first rounder to move up a few spots, but they might have to package the 33rd and 65th picks, which would be a substantial price unless you are REALLY high on Colt McCoy.